Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) Shares Up 2.9% – Should You Buy?

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB)’s stock price rose 2.9% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $77.11 and last traded at $76.58. Approximately 14,469,042 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 38% from the average daily volume of 23,171,385 shares. The stock had previously closed at $74.42.

Rocket Lab News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Rocket Lab this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Solid commercial backlog and margin targets — Rocket Lab reports over $1.1 billion in contracted backlog and continues to grow Electron launch cadence, which supports its near-term revenue conversion and targeted non-GAAP margins (45%–50%). Rocket Lab Earnings Loom as Neutron Timeline Takes Center Stage
• Positive Sentiment: Government/defense demand rising — recent dedicated HASTE mission for the Defense Innovation Unit and an accelerating cadence of hypersonic test launches highlight growing defense revenues that can provide stable, high-margin work. Rocket Lab Earnings Loom as Neutron Timeline Takes Center Stage
• Neutral Sentiment: Pivotal earnings event next week — the Feb. 26 Q4 report and conference call are the key catalysts; management’s update on Neutron timing and Q4 versus guidance execution will likely determine near-term direction. Rocket Lab Earnings Loom as Neutron Timeline Takes Center Stage
• Neutral Sentiment: Long-term bull case remains debated — some commentators see the recent development hurdle as a buying opportunity for long-term upside, but outcomes hinge on execution and Neutron progress. Should You Buy Rocket Lab Before Feb. 26
• Negative Sentiment: Neutron development setback — a Stage 1 tank rupture during qualification testing has injected timing uncertainty into the Neutron maiden flight schedule and is a primary reason for recent selling pressure. Rocket Lab Earnings Loom as Neutron Timeline Takes Center Stage
• Negative Sentiment: Analysts revising models and targets — several analysts have updated coverage and price targets after the Neutron news, increasing near-term headline risk and contributing to volatility. Why Analysts Are Rewriting The Rocket Lab (RKLB) Story After New Targets And Neutron Setbacks
• Negative Sentiment: Sector headwinds and capital rotation — traders cite tech/space sector rotation and risk-off flows as amplifying the pullback; this broader market context is pressuring RKLB alongside company-specific concerns. Why Are Rocket Lab Shares Sliding On Friday?

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have commented on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an “overweight” rating on shares of Rocket Lab in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Citigroup reissued a “market perform” rating on shares of Rocket Lab in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Rocket Lab from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Needham & Company LLC boosted their target price on shares of Rocket Lab from $63.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Rocket Lab from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Sunday, February 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $72.92.

Rocket Lab Stock Down 7.5%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 2.83 and a current ratio of 3.18. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $76.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $60.10. The stock has a market cap of $37.85 billion, a P/E ratio of -186.47 and a beta of 2.16.

Insider Buying and Selling at Rocket Lab

In related news, Director Merline Saintil sold 12,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total value of $1,125,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 280,029 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $25,202,610. This represents a 4.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Frank Klein sold 100,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.95, for a total transaction of $7,295,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,169,487 shares in the company, valued at approximately $85,314,076.65. The trade was a 7.88% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 4,290,517 shares of company stock valued at $271,240,100. 11.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rocket Lab

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Baillie Gifford & Co. lifted its holdings in Rocket Lab by 176.1% in the 3rd quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 12,125,910 shares of the rocket manufacturer’s stock valued at $580,952,000 after acquiring an additional 7,734,788 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Rocket Lab by 13.4% in the fourth quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,420,192 shares of the rocket manufacturer’s stock valued at $3,308,033,000 after buying an additional 5,610,469 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Rocket Lab during the 4th quarter valued at $341,036,000. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Rocket Lab by 67.0% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,242,304 shares of the rocket manufacturer’s stock worth $223,287,000 after acquiring an additional 2,504,054 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marex Group plc acquired a new position in shares of Rocket Lab in the 2nd quarter worth $74,359,000. 71.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Rocket Lab Company Profile

Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft, and space systems for commercial and government customers. The company’s primary launch vehicle is Electron, a small-lift orbital rocket designed to deploy small satellites and rideshare payloads to low Earth orbit. Rocket Lab also develops and manufactures the Rutherford engine, noted for its electric-pump-fed design and additive-manufactured components, which powers Electron and supports the company’s propulsion capabilities.